Student Students join a Safer Internet Caravan organized by the various government agencies to raise awareness against child exploitation and online abuse, in this undated photo. Department of Social Welfare and Development 7 (Central Visayas) Director Shalaine Marie Lucero said Friday (Jan. 17, 2025) that schools are key partners in these campaigns, as the agency continues to assist victim-survivors following 57 recorded cases in 2024. Photo courtesy of DSWD-7

DSWD intensifies support to exploitation survivors in CV

January 17, 2025 People's Tonight 105 views

CEBU CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Central Visayas continues its efforts to assist survivors of commercial and online exploitation, an official said Friday.

The agency reported aiding 39 survivors of commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) and 18 victims of online sexual abuse or exploitation of children (OSAEC) and child sexual abuse or exploitation materials (CSAEM).

Shalaine Marie Lucero, DSWD-7 Director, said these survivors received psychosocial counseling, education, livelihood support, medical aid, and temporary shelter at DSWD-managed centers like the Home for Girls and the Regional Haven for Women.

To combat exploitation, the DSWD partnered with schools, holding five “Safer Internet Caravans” in Cebu and Bohol in late 2024.

The initiative, in collaboration with the Department of Education, World Hope International, and the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, aimed to educate 479 junior high school students on online safety, privacy, and reporting mechanisms.

“We will never stop advocating for the elimination of these activities in our communities,” Lucero said, emphasizing DSWD’s commitment to partnerships with law enforcement for rescues and providing high-standard care facilities. Philippine News Agency

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